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Every year on 25 January, Scotland celebrates the life and work of Robert Burns. From traditional Burns suppers to music, poetry and ceilidh dancing, Burns Night is a unique Scottish celebration of culture, community, and storytelling – and the poet whose words are still spoken and sung around the world today.
Burns Supper
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Robert Burns
© Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Burns Night marks the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard, and one of the country’s most famous writers. His poems and songs, including Auld Lang Syne, are still performed and celebrated globally.
Burns wrote about love, friendship, nature, and everyday life in Scotland, and his work continues to influence Scottish culture, music, and literature today.
Burns remains for all time the poet of the people.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Burns Night takes place on 25 January each year. Many celebrations happen on the evening itself, while others take place on the nearest weekend.
Prestonfield House featuring light projections celebrating Robert Burns
Burns Night is celebrated across Scotland, from large, organised events to traditional Burns suppers in hotels, restaurants, and community halls.
Some of the best places to experience Burns Night is in South Ayrshire, the birthplace of Robert Burns, and Dumfries, where he spent his later years. You’ll also find Burns suppers, ceilidhs, and themed events in cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, as well as smaller towns and villages across the country.
A piper piping in the haggis at a Burns Night Supper
Held throughout the world on Burns Night (or on an evening close to it), a traditional Burns supper is an evening celebration of Robert Burns’ life and work.
A traditional Burns supper meal usually includes haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes), followed by dessert and a few drams of whisky, while Burns’ poems and songs are performed and tributes are made to the great Bard.
The Burns Birthplace Museum
The first Burns supper was held in July 1801 when nine of Burns’ close friends gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of his death. The evening took place at Burns Cottage in Alloway and included a meal, performances of Burns’ work, and a speech in honour of the poet. The event was such a success that they decided to hold it again the following year to celebrate his birthday, beginning the tradition that continues today.
Pay a visit to where it all began at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
A man addressing the haggis at a Burns Night Supper
Each Burns supper is slightly different, but the evening usually follows a traditional running order:
Big Burns Ceilidh at the National Museum of Scotland
Many restaurants, hotels and venues across Scotland host Burns suppers that you can book in advance, often including a traditional meal, poetry readings, live music, and ceilidh dancing. Some are formal ticketed dinners, while others take place in pubs, community halls, and Burns clubs throughout January.
Search our events listings to discover Burns suppers and celebrations taking place across Scotland.
Haggis, neeps and tatties
Put the finishing touch on your own Burns supper with other traditional Scottish dishes. You could start with Scotch broth or Cullen skink, followed by the customary haggis, neeps, and tatties, and finish with cranachan or clootie dumpling. Don’t forget a wee dram of Scotch whisky to toast the Bard!
Experience Scotland's national dish – Haggis
The Poetry of Robert Burns
The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, for promis’d joy!
To a Mouse
Burns’ poems and songs are at the heart of Burns Night celebrations. Popular choices include:
Discover some of the best loved poems by Robert Burns – Scottish Poetry Library
If you’re hosting your own Burns Night celebration, you could:
Get started with these fascinating facts about Burns – Scotland.org
Set the mood with our playlist of Burns Night tunes – Spotify
Join Scottish actor James Cosmo for a Burns Night Q&A as he shares his favourite Burns poem, memories of learning Burns at school and why Robert Burns still matters today.
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Tune in to legendary Scottish actor, James Cosmo, talk about and recite his famous Scots poems.
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